Barbara Ann (Grefe) Reith Ruhnke

Barbara Ann (Grefe) Reith Ruhnke age 67, passed away at Lincoln Bryan West Medical Center on September 24, 2020 after a long battle against leukemia.  She was born March 11, 1953 to Alwin and Rosella (Niemeier) Grefe in Beatrice, Nebraska.  She was baptized on March 22, 1953 and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church of rural Plymouth, Nebraska.

Barb grew up on her family farm east of Plymouth graduating from Tri-County high school in 1971.  She entered into holy matrimony to Wayne Reith of Linn, Kansas April 28, 1973.  The marriage was blessed with two children, Stephanie and Timothy.  Following the untimely passing of her husband Wayne, Barbara was fortunate enough to find love again with Donald Ruhnke of Fairbury, Nebraska.  They were united in marriage August 24, 2002.

While Barb held various occupations through her years in addition to being a loving wife, she was best known for her love of music.  One of Barb’s passions was playing organ for various churches across the area.  Many years were spent playing for Immanuel Lutheran Church of rural Linn, Kansas including her final service only a few days before her passing.  After moving to Fairbury, she played for multiple churches in the area including St. Paul United Church of Christ of Jansen and Immanuel Lutheran Church of rural Daykin, Nebraska.  She was also an avid gardener with some of the most beautiful flowers in her neighborhood.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Wayne, her parents Alwin and Rosella Grefe, her sisters Mary Lee, Linda and Karen & Jeffery Reynolds, her father and mother in law Elmer and Oletha (Woerner) Reith.

She is survived by her husband Donald, her daughter Stephanie (Bruce) Wetter; son Timothy (Kendra) Reith, grandchildren Abigail and Mckenzie; stepson Joshua (Lisa) Ruhnke of Lincoln, grandchildren Megan, Peyton, Matthew, and Carter; stepdaughter Amber (James) Pliefke of Garland, grandchildren Alex, Madison, and Ava; stepson Jacob(Elizabeth) Ruhnke of Jansen.  Honorary grandchildren Kane and Brylee Eyer.

Visitation will be held at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home Sunday September 27, 2020 from 3-5 PM with a prayer service to follow at 5:30 PM.  Celebration of life services will be held Monday, September 28, 2020 10:00 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church of rural Linn, Kansas with burial to follow.